Sandra Silberzweig Inspired Trees

Jenna, 3rd

Abbie, K

Talia, 2nd

Amanda, 2nd

Alexa, 1st

Hannah, K

Matthew, 2nd

Sierra, 1st

Lilly, K

This is my 2nd project inspired by the art of Sandra Silberzweig. Her art is dynamic, colorful and bold. My kindergarten thru 3rd graders looked at her piece, "Neon Trees" ("Ooo's" and "Aaah's" all around) and couldn't wait to paint their inspired pieces. They broke down the landscape into 3 basic elements: ovals, background and trees. They used oil pastel and chalk pastels to add designs and outline their shapes. They created patterned owls similar to those found in some of her other pieces using markers on a separate paper. These were cut out and glued to their habitat. I was happy to see everyone adding their own unique personality and twist to this project. Ms. Silberzweig spotted our last lesson inspired by her cubist faces and was very kind in her response. I hope you enjoy these pieces as well! A big Thanks to you from all of us!

Creative Challenge

A past work in pastels

I recently signed up for a creative challenge from Phyl of There's a Dragon in My Art Room. This challenge originated at Created 2B Creative, and part of the idea is to continue it forward, in a creative way. Here's how it works.

• I will create something (I don't know what yet!) for the first three people who say (in the comments below) they would like to participate.
• If you say you would like to participate, you must issue the challenge somewhere (on your own blog, on facebook or twitter -- wherever you want) and personally make something in 2012 (don't wait too long and then forget - I actually would suggest you do it in the next month) for at least three people, who will pledge to make something for three more people . . .

This can be a photograph, something crafty, a small painting or drawing.....anything that uses your creativity.

• If you're one of the first three respondents, send me your address in a private message (my email address is listed on my profile) so that I can mail you my creation.

I may break out of my 2D comfort zone and do something completely unexpected. I might give myself a challenge a la Bravo's "Work of Art." It will be fun to see where this project leads me.

*On a side note: Mom and Dad, I promise to create the portrait of your beloved pooch, Doogal before I tackle this. ;)

OK, who's in?!

Birthday Birds

my experiment

March is Dr. Seuss' Birthday month. Last year I did a Lorax inspired project. This year I headed to my daughter's book shelf and came up with a lesser known book, "Happy Birthday To You!" In the land of Katroo on the day you were born, the great Birthday Bird wakes you from your bed and swoops you away for a fantastic day of adventures and celebration. I knew my 5-9 year olds would have fun with this!

They created their Birthday Birds with Sharpie and acrylics and layered birthday cakes with markers. On black board they painted Truffula inspired trees of Lorax fame for a fun background. I encouraged the children to cut loose creatively in making all the elements in their Seuss inspired pieces. Nice job kids!

*This post is dedicated to my husband who recently turned the big 50, without the obligatory big party or weekend in Vegas (almost a requirement for SoCal residents.) So Tyree, not only did you get your favorite Shrimp and Grits made by moi and an adult family dinner out, you now have a beautiful collection of Dr. Seuss Birthday Birds dedicated to YOU. You must be walking on sunshine about now. ;D

Springtime Cottontails

Created in Chalk Pastel by K-3rd Graders

Nathaniel Mather Inspirations

Amanda, 2nd grade

Inspiration piece, "Denial" by Nathaniel Mather

Talia, 2nd grade

Alexa, 1st grade

Abby, Kindergarten

Jenna, 3rd grade

Lilly, Kindergarten

Hannah, Kindergarten

Sierra, 1st grade

Matt, 2nd grade

I became familiar with Nathaniel Mather's work via Pinterest. He creates pieces that often have a mix of graphic designs and animals with unique compositions. The children looked at his painting, "Denial" to create our inspirations. (This project was meant to explore texture, line and shading, as well as a nod to the surreal art movement and not based on Melville's "Moby Dick." I was clear that these were Sperm Whales who eat fish and squid. ; )

The children created acrylic painted skies and ocean backgrounds using sponge painted tempera in blues and greens. A sheet of plastic wrap was applied and moved around and left to dry to add more texture. They followed a direct line drawing lesson on a separate paper to create their whales. Lines were gone over in charcoal and smudged to add shading and dimension. They could design their row boat any way they wished. I took profile pictures of each child so they could be placed in their boat. They had fun creating these multi-media pieces, step by step. I think they did a wonderful job with their dreamlike compositions.